Jan. 2, 2021
Great Lakes Helicopters, out of Cambridge, Ont., is ferrying Canadian snowbirds to Buffalo for their drive to Florida. The company subcontracts with transportation companies that bring customers cars over the border. Sharon Cantillon
With Florida beckoning, Canadian snowbirds chopper off to Buffalo to cross the border
With the U.S.-Canada border closure extending through fall into winter, Canadian snowbirds have had to consider alternate transportation to reach Florida s warmth, particularly if they were committed to bringing their own vehicles.
Great Lakes Helicopters has overcome this hurdle for snowbirds, flying small groups of passengers â from three departure points â and shipping their vehicles simultaneously on commercial transport to meet them across the border. It s not illegal, either, as the border is closed only to vehicles. And, for around $2,000 Canadian, this process is far cheaper than a $600 flight from Tor
But there is other news on the horizon.
Talks over Bills Stadium in Orchard Park are likely to ramp up in earnest. New York State and the Seneca Nation must renegotiate the compact that authorizes the Seneca casinos. A downtown tech hub is poised to bring new life into the city s tallest building â if workers get back to the office.
There will be political intrigue, too. The offices of Erie County sheriff and comptroller are up for election, and eyes will be on whether or not Mayor Byron W. Brown seeks a record fifth term.
And plenty of uncertainty, too. Will schools get back to normal? Will nursing home residents get peace? Will vaccines free people to get back to business?